When Clyde the cat travels two hundred miles back home only to find his former owner dead, the story makes national news. While everyone seems eager to tell Clyde’s incredible tale, someone needs to step up to care for him. Because the media attention is creating chaos at the local shelter, cat quilter Jillian Hart agrees to foster the loyal orange tabby, hoping his location is kept secret.
But while the media circus around Clyde continues, Jillian learns the real story behind his owner’s death—he was murdered. Why would an eldery man already dying from a serious illness become a murder victim? As the local police search for an answer, Clyde makes another escape. Jillian is drawn into the case when she finds Clyde has returned to his home again—and he’s found another body. When the motive behind these murders is finally revealed, Jillian understands Clyde is in danger of becoming the next victim, and she must help find the killer before the claws really come out.
In each book I try to highlight not only the mystery, but the mutual love between felines and the humans they own. Yes, "dogs have owners, cats have staff." That is why they are so fun to write. I have had cats my entire adult life, rescued many, tube fed a couple of litters so they would survive and watched many cross over the Rainbow Bridge. Pet owners know about the Bridge, where beloved companions await their owners, and where they are healthy again and running free.
So, my own cats were inspirational in creating believable cat characters who simply do what cats do. They don't walk to think, though Jillian is quick to "interpret" their thoughts. I believe I do that with my town two - Wexford and Marlowe. I guess that means I am constantly writing dialogue! I also love cat trivia and my books are loaded with interesting cat facts. (And no, they don't always land on their feet! They are just amazingly agile.)
This book was also inspired by a multitude of news stories about cats (and dogs - I do love dogs, too!) traveling hundreds of miles to get back to their owners. There's a bit of trivia I learned when researching my books that explains this phenomenon. Cats have the equivalent of GPS in their brains, and thus they often can get to where they want to be even if it takes them a long time. (I sure wish I had GPS in my brain.) Although the story starts out with difficulties for Clyde, the orange tabby, I believe in happy endings. And just so you know, no animals are ever seriously harmed in my stories. I cannot write books that might make people cringe. I'll leave that to (the brilliant) Stephen King!
Leann is married with two fabulous grown children, a wonderful son-in-law and a beautiful daughter-in-law - not to mention three amazing granddaughters. She lived in Texas from 1974-2012, and now lives in South Carolina with husband Mike, her two cats Wexford and Marlowe, and Rosie - the smart, retrieving, golf-ball chasing, busy-busy-busy mini-Labradoodle.
I love Jillian, and her overwhelming compassion and sincere kindness reflects that of the author, Leann Sweeney. (Leann is truly one of the kindest authors I've ever come across. She's a genuinely nice person, and if you're ever given the chance to chat with her, even for a brief moment, you'll love her personality too!)
If you're new to the cozy world, looking for a new series, or you're already a fan, you'll enjoy this book and series immensely.
Rating: 5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.
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3 comments:
Thanks for inviting me to your blog, today, Marie. I didn't know the post was up so I shared the link on my facebook page today! You're the best!
I loved the other books in this series, and I can't wait to read the new one!
Leann Sweeney's Cats In Trouble Series are extremely hard to put down. She simply gets you hooked right from the start. My wife and I have read all the books in the series and each one keeps getting better.
I can't wait to read this one.
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